When Modern Matters

From the period sets on Mad Men to the rush to collect furniture from the post-war era, the public is more aware of Modernism today than ever before. Our Modern-era building stock is now part of our history and requires careful stewardship and renewal for future generations. The legacy of this movement, which espoused the spirit of social and technological progress, includes an unprecedented avalanche of buildings from the 1930s to 1970s, ranging from Mid-Century Modern designs to late Modern examples of Brutalism. Addressing these buildings is a complex task and encompasses challenging materials conservation, design, and planning issues.

In the early 1990s the preservation of our Modern heritage first became a distinct area of practice for architects, landscape architects, conservators, and planners. Now, some 25 years later, many post-war buildings are being designated as historic, and most buildings from the period require reinvestment and renewal.

The preservation of iconic Modern landmarks requires diverse skills and a thoughtful, studied approach. Quinn Evans Architects’ portfolio reflects our commitment to the sensitive renovation, reuse, and transformation of these buildings, including research and documentation, evaluation for nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, renewal master planning, and comprehensive rehabilitation design. In preserving the most important aspects of historically and architecturally significant post-war buildings, it is also essential to adapt elements strategically and integrate sustainable systems and technology. Interventions—whether a major addition or a new lobby desk—can add new layers of meaning to Modern buildings and heighten awareness of original works of architecture.

At no time has there been a greater need for thoughtful and creative design for sensitive architectural interventions that best serve each client’s needs. Without change, a building won’t continue to serve building users and, if important historic features are not preserved, a building won’t continue to convey the values that make it significant. Modern-era restoration projects should reflect that balance and an understanding of the attributes and limitations of post-war design and construction. Addressing the legacy of Modernism requires managing change and leveraging design opportunities through sustainable stewardship as we preserve, restore, repair, retrofit, rehabilitate, renew, and repurpose Modern architecture.